Albany gets the gold for hosting fall games

Albany- The torch has been extinguished and the medals handed out. Over the last three days Albany played host to the Georgia State Fall Special Olympics and organizers are pleased with their scores.

Three days of events have come to an end and as the athletes leave Albany they had good things to say.

"Had a good time," said Wendy Grimsley of the Mitchell-Baker Bocce Team.

An evaluation Sunday morning by the Georgia State Games officials and evaluators gave Albany the gold.

"They started all of their constructive criticism with outstanding, awesome, you should be proud, fabulous," said Tony Ford, Assistant. Games Director.

Starting Monday, the Recreation and Parks Department will begin preparations for next year with some planned improvements.

"Let's improve our p.a. systems, let's improve our delivery of food to the various venues, let's improve our directions and informational signs, those are things that we can do," said Ford.

With a new confidence, the city of Albany bids farewell until next year and hopes the support for these athletes will only grow.

"We've got to be very, very proud of our community for the financial support, the volunteers, and certainly every aspect of the venues exceeded expectations," said Ford.

Organizers agree, the experience was rewarding for both the athletes and the hundreds of local volunteers.

"I do believe that the athletes they were truly the winners and then right behind them I do believe those that came out to share their hugs and congratulations they were probably the winners as well," said Ford.

The fall 2006 and 2007 games will also be held in Albany. The Albany Recreation and Parks Department plans to bid on future Special Olympic individual events in hopes of bringing more events to south Georgia.